The former Arsenal star represented England at youth level, but he now wants to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria…
Ipswich Town striker Chuba Akpom has stated that he is still waiting for a Super Eagles call-up, Soccernet.ng reports.
Akpom was born in London to Nigerian parents, and he opted to play for England at youth level. He played for them at under-16, 17, 19, 20, and 21 levels, but he failed to break into the Three Lions.
However, he eventually decided to switch allegiance to Nigeria and represent the Super Eagles a few years ago. But he has waited on end for a call-up.
Despite some brilliant spells at Middlesbrough, and Ajax, the versatile 29-year-old attacker has been continuously ignored.
The Arsenal-trained attacker is now at Championship club Ipswich Town. He joined them from Ajax in a season-long loan during the summer transfer window. And while he is looking to help the club gain promotion to the Premier League, Akpom also has eyes on Nigeria at international level.
In a recent interview, the 29-year-old admitted that he is still hopeful of a call-up and his agent has already contacted Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, to inform him of his readiness to don the green and white.
“They’ve made me do the passport stuff. My agent has been in contact with the manager [Éric Chelle] and they’ve always liked me. If I was to get called up, it would be an honour of course,” Akpom said, per TWTD.
Can Chuba Akpom Break Into The Super Eagles Squad?
Nigerian has many good attackers, so the competition for spots in the squad is always tough. Even good strikers like Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu are still struggling to get regular call-ups.
Asides from strikers, there are also decent forwards on the team like Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Christantus Uche, who are at the top of their games.
So it will be really difficult for him to break through unless he hits a crazy run of form or most Nigerian attackers get injured at the same time.
Despite the apparent difficulty, Akpom will hope that he gets a call-up soon and win his first cap for Nigeria.